The Hidden Life

GIVEAWAY

SENFT, ADINA
THE HIDDEN SENFT

Emma Stolzfus has never been courted or kissed, and now that she's 30, it has become her place as the unmarried daughter to look after her elderly mother. But in the dark hours when her mother is asleep, Emma writes letters and essays to Amish periodicals, short stories, and even a novel she's been working on for the last five years.


When a New York literary agent, Tyler West, takes an interest in her work, Emma secretly goes to meet him. When she returns, something about her is different-and the men of her Amish community take notice. But how can she settle for second best when her heart made its choice years ago-to a man she can never have? Only her friends, Amelia and Carrie, know the truth in her heart as they work together on their quilt ... and only they understand when an old tragedy comes to light that will either hurt or heal ... and reveal Emma's hidden life.

My Review:

Emma is one of my most favourite heroines to date! Just loved her sardonic wit -- the private asides oozing in sarcasm that she was smart enough not to vocalize! Unexpected humour abounds all through this book.

The second in the Amish Quilt series, The Hidden Life reads well as a standalone, though you might want to grab the first book, The Wound Heart, just because it's that good! One of the great appeals in this series is that it revolves around three friends -- Amelia, Carrie and Emma -- and all three play a prominent role in each book. I love how Senft highlights their friendship while placing the spotlight on one woman per story.

I also quickly became enamoured with the book publication plotline. When Emma met a literary agent for the first time, so did I. The hopeful writer in me cheered him on and anguished over Emma's plight as she sought God's will for her life. The nearly unbearable tension was happily relieved from time to time by Emma's suddenly blossoming love life.  More scope for humour in unexpected places. You just have to love a klutzy Amish woman! And a community who can't quite believe their eyes!

The Hidden Life is a perfect summer read for Amish lovers and even includes a bonus first glimpse at The Tempted Soul (book three) which will come out in March 2013. It just can't get any better than that!


Giveaway Opportunity:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of The Hidden Life, please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday August 5 2012. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!